Nara: Where Japan’s Ancient Soul Still Lives

Some destinations have a way of making the past feel remarkably close. Nara is one of them. Japan’s first permanent capital, established in 710, is a city where centuries of spiritual traditions, extraordinary architecture, and an unusual relationship between humans and wildlife come together in a landscape that feels almost suspended in time. Here, hundreds of deer wander freely through ancient parkland, Buddhist temples preserve some of the country's greatest cultural treasures, and sacred pathways disappear beneath towering trees.

What makes Nara particularly fascinating is the presence of its deer. More than simply a charming attraction, they are deeply connected to the city's spiritual identity. According to local tradition, a deity associated with Kasuga Taisha Shrine arrived in Nara riding a white deer, establishing these animals as divine messengers. For more than a thousand years, they have been protected and revered, becoming an inseparable part of the city's cultural heritage.

One of the most extraordinary ways to experience this relationship is through Shikayose, the traditional deer-calling ritual. The experience is almost surreal: a musician raises a French horn and begins playing a passage from Beethoven's Sixth Symphony, the Pastoral. From somewhere deep within the forest, the deer begin to emerge, drawn by the sound. One by one, then in groups, they make their way toward the musician until the clearing fills with animals. The ritual dates back to 1892 and was originally introduced as part of an initiative to protect Nara's deer. Those who gather are rewarded with acorns, while visitors witness a scene that feels more like a moment from an ancient folktale than an everyday occurrence.

Watching the deer respond to the music is an unforgettable experience. There is something deeply moving about seeing wild animals emerge from the woods at the sound of a musical instrument, in a place where the relationship between nature and spirituality has endured for generations. It offers a glimpse into a distinctly Japanese understanding of coexistence, one in which the natural world is treated with reverence rather than regarded simply as a backdrop.

The city's historical richness extends far beyond its deer. Nara is home to Tōdai-ji Temple, one of Japan's most remarkable Buddhist landmarks, whose immense wooden Great Buddha Hall houses a monumental bronze Buddha. Nearby, Kasuga Taisha, founded in the eighth century, is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, many donated over centuries by worshippers. Walking through these grounds, surrounded by ancient trees and the quiet presence of deer, offers an extraordinary sense of continuity between Japan's spiritual traditions and its natural environment.

A Historic Residence in the Heart of Nara Park

My stay in Nara took place at Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara, an extraordinary property whose history is as compelling as its setting. Located within Nara Park, on the grounds of the former Nara Prefectural Governor's official residence, the hotel offers a particularly privileged way to experience the city. Rather than separating guests from their surroundings, Shisui places them within one of Japan's most treasured historical landscapes, with temples, gardens, and centuries-old cultural landmarks just beyond its doors.

The property opened in August 2023 as part of Marriott International's Luxury Collection. Its historical significance is particularly fascinating: the original governor's residence witnessed an important moment in modern Japanese history. In 1951, Emperor Showa ratified the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty in a room within the building. That very room remains preserved as part of the hotel's historical legacy, giving the experience of staying here an extraordinary connection to Japan's past.

The hotel's location is perhaps its greatest luxury. Staying here means having Nara Park as an extension of your own surroundings, with its deer, ancient trees, and historic pathways becoming part of the daily experience. The property also sits beside Yoshikien Garden, a beautiful traditional Japanese garden that adds another layer of serenity to the setting.

Nara is a city with such an extraordinary historical legacy could easily feel like an open-air museum, yet its character is wonderfully alive. Deer continue to roam through the park, temples remain active places of worship, and traditional practices such as Shikayose preserve a relationship with nature that has shaped the destination for centuries.

In a country celebrated for its ability to balance innovation with tradition, Nara reveals another dimension of Japan. One defined by spirituality, coexistence, and an enduring respect for history. And perhaps that is its greatest seduction: discovering a place where the past is never distant, where nature remains part of the cultural fabric, and where even the sound of a French horn can bring an entire forest to life.